BOLD POPS: Whether its a really strong color or pattern, an odd piece of art, or an ornate mirror – I like elements that say something. I think this traces back to my music career. I studied opera in college and from the sets to the story lines…opera is nothing short of dramatic. I don’t think most people would tag me as a dramatic person, but I am drawn to things that stand out and are not afraid to shine. Every show needs a star and every room needs at least one piece that makes you think.
INSPIRED BOLD: ACCENT CHAIR | ACCENT BENCH | LIGHTING
INSPIRED MINIMALISM:
WHITE JARS | LAMP | TWO TIERED CHANDELIER
BLACK DINING CHAIR | DINING ROOM TABLE
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TNic says
Hi Gwen, thanks for this great post! I think so much about my own style and while I have finally come to some conclusions about it, I find it hard to stick to it because I am influenced so much by magazines, blogs like yours, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. I think in our world where we are absolutely inundated with information and ideas, it is almost essential to narrow our focus when we shop. I have honestly taken pictures of my space and screen shots of my Pinterest ideas, then have to force myself in a store to say to myself (as I would my daughter), “Now, does this go with what you are doing here?” If the answer is no, I move along! So easy to say, so hard to follow! I can honestly say that one way in which your blog has been really influential for me is that you really seem to stick with a plan, and the outcome is so cohesive without being cookie cutter or stifling, of course. I need that and I see that when I stay disciplined, I do get what I was going for!
I like that you add in your pragmatic reasons for embracing minimalism because I do think style is about that, too. Another thing I have noticed is that a living space itself should dictate to some extent how you decorate. Hopefully people choose living spaces that reflect their style to some extent, but living spaces always have quirks that make demands. I remember your saying how much you wanted a white kitchen, but the kitchen you have doesn’t want white. That stuck with me. I totally get that and I have realized that I am happier with my rooms when I pay attention to what they want.
By the way, I do think one reason I love your blog/style is because you take me back to my traditional roots. My mom was a lot like yours, and while my style differs from my mom in some ways, early on I was afraid to embrace traditional elements b/c I associated it with chintz and heavy wallpaper looks that I wanted to change (mostly in my bedroom!) growing up. But it is there in my style. I like to say that my style is classic look (classic lined furniture, oriental rugs, hardwood floors, etc.) with some Bohemian and modern touches. (The funny thing is that my mom now has largely painted walls and she was shocked when I wallpapered the upper walls in my kitchen last year. It is more modern, but she loves that I did it!)
Kathryn R says
Gwen, I love this post! And part of why I love following your blog is that you translate traditional so well. I’m from Virginia and went to college in Williamsburg (W&M) and grad school in Charlottesville (UVA)…so you know how much I love traditional 🙂 So many blogs that I follow focus mainly on modern decor and I’ve struggled with how to adapt traditional so that it feels true to me and what I like, but also feels like a 20-something’s house and not my grandparents. So thank you for all of your inspiration!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s so sweet, Kathryn! I’m so glad my style resonates with you. Yes, there’s a lot of modern and boho out there right now, but I think traditional is making a comeback. 😉